Principles and practice of clinical virology (4th edition): A. J. Zuckerman, J. E. Banatvala & J. R. Pattison (editors). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2000. xxiv +776pp. Price £165.00. ISBN 0-471-97340-8

✍ Scribed by Geoffrey Pasvol

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2000
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 116 KB
• Volume: 94
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0035-9203
• DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(00)90299-2

✦ Synopsis

REVIEWS

ren and Dr Frigg are complementary, bringing the extensive practical and research knowledge of the former together with the latter's experience of programmes to combat VADD as Secretary of Task Force SIGHT AND LIFE (founded by Roche in 1986). This is much more than an introduction to the subject of VADD although it is also described bv the authors as a 'companion to st\dy'. The Manual is designed for those health and nutrition workers involved with real needs, particularly the protection and preservation of eyesight and child survival.

While there is an appropriate strong emphasis on xerophthalmia, and its clinical features, there is also reference to the effects ofvitamin A deficiency on growth, the immune response, haemopoiesis, and skin and reproductive systems.

After describing vitamin A in nature, in food sources, in health, and assessment of vitamin A status, the section on vitamin A deficiency affecting the eyes is followed by a discussion of morbidity and mortality. A review of the worldwide situation with relevant data and the epidemiology of VADD leads on to a chapter on treatment, prevention, dietary modification and disaster relief.

The Manual concludes with a section on further reading and a glossary.

The text is liberally interspersed with illustrations: Tables, diagrams, graphs, maps and (black-and-white) photomicrographs and clinical pictures.

This Manual has immediately become a standard work, very important as a resource and reference text for all those concerned with vitamin A deficiency disorders.